THE GMB Union is staging fresh Asda protests as workers face the sack if they don't sign a controversial new contract.

The union says Asda is already "punishing" workers who haven’t signed a new contract by taking away their sick pay.

Protests will take place at Asda stores in Manchester, Bolton, Ellesmere Port, Leeds, Glasgow, Nottingham, Walsall, Brighton, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Norwich Stanley, and Taunton.

It follows thousands of Asda workers protesting in Liverpool, London, Hull, Crewe, Dundee, Sheffield, Glasgow, Cwbran, South Shields, Sheffield, Stockport, Portsmouth, Livingston and Newcastle- under-Lyme.

The company has told workers they must sign the so-called 'flexible' Contract 6 - which will see them lose all their paid breaks and will mean they're forced to work bank holidays – or be sacked on November 2.

Now Asda has told those who are yet to sign the contract they will not be paid for any sick leave until they do.

Many GMB members say the contract is forcing them to choose between caring for vulnerable relatives or losing their jobs in the run up the Christmas.

Gary Carter, GMB national officer, said: “Our members are angry.

“Workers who have given years or loyal service are being told ‘sign this brutal contract or get the sack in time for Christmas’.

“By forcing people to sign this contract, Asda are making people choose between their families or their jobs.

“We’re calling on Asda to respect its workforce and offer dedicated, long-serving staff a better deal.”